In a significant development, China on Wednesday signalled easing of its strident opposition to the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying cooperation in use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will be 'beneficial' for maintaining effectiveness of global non-proliferation efforts.

"We consider the cooperation between countries to use nuclear energy for peaceful purpose will be beneficial tomaintain the principles and effectiveness of international nuclear non-proliferation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesmanQin Gang told PTI. He was asked to comment on the US Congress' overwhelming approval of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal last week.

Qin's comment assumes significance since the official Chinese media had voiced sharp opposition to the deal, sayingit would undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

When asked to comment on the possibility of Sino-Indian cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, Qin said Beijing hadindicated its stance in the Joint Declaration signed during Chinese President Hu Jintao's maiden state visit to India inNovember.

'Considering that for both India and China, expansion of civilian nuclear energy programme is an essential and important component of their national energy plans to ensure energy security, the two sides agree to promote cooperation inthe field of nuclear energy, consistent with their respective international commitments', says the joint statement issued onNovember 21.

At the same time, Qin emphasised that every country had to adhere to its international commitments while engaging inbilateral or multilateral cooperation in the nuclear field.

"In the civil nuclear field, China insist that, whether it is a bilateral or multilateral cooperation, all parties should abide by thier own international undertaking and commitment and act accordingly to maintain the effectiveness of the non-proliferation principles," he added.

The Chinese turn-around came two days after the official Xinhua news agency commented that United States hadcontradicted its obligations under NPT.

"The bill set a precedent for India, which is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The US Atomic Energy Act prohibits nuclear sales to non-NPT signatories," Xinhua had said soon after the US Congress approved the deal.

"The legislation is also in contradiction to the obligations of Washington as a lead signatory of the NPT. The treaty obligates its signatories not to provide assistance to the nuclear programmes of states that did not sign the NPT,"it said.

An earlier Xinhua commentary had also said the Indo-US nuclear deal smacked of 'double-standards'.

"These double standards would inevitably diminish the NPT's authority among countries that have not acquired nuclearweapons," it had said.

India needs Chinese support at the Nuclear Suppliers Group as the 45-member body has to unanimously approve Indo-US nuclear deal.